Bears are very important as top order predators and drivers of ecosystem health in Nepal. Two species of bear occur in the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) ‐ the Himalayan Black Bear and the Brown Bear. Crop‐raiding and livestock depredation by bears are major causes of concern to local communities who sometimes retaliate through traps, snares and guns. The black bear is also poached for its gall bladder. While the populations of these bears are decreasing, there is no detailed database of information on bear distribution, the incidence of human-bear conflict and impact this conflict has on the human and bear populations. This project will support local experts to collect data on the distribution and abundance of two species of bear and evaluate the economic loss caused by bear in MCA. Following analysis of the results, an appropriate mitigation strategy in MCA will be developed in consultation with the local communities, potentially including a large-scale awareness campaign will be conducted in schools and monasteries.

National Trust for Nature Conservation was established in 1982 by Legislative Act as an autonomous and not for profit organization mandated to work in the field of nature conservation in Nepal. Holistic and integrated conservation and development program with active people’s participation aimed at promoting local guardianship have been the focus of all the trust activities. Geographically, the Trust activities have spread from the sub‐tropical plains to high Himalayas.

What can you do: Most human communities live close to wildlife, even ours. Ask yourself how your daily actions are affecting wildlife in the local area – reduce your consumption, buy reuseable products rather than disposable, and recycle what you must throw away. Next time you are out and see rubbish, take 3 pieces to the bin to protect wildlife, keep our shared habitat clean and improve our collective health